'Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test
of gravity, and gravity of humour. read more

'Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test
of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not
bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a
serious examination was certainly false wit.
- Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.

Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.

Only the mediocre are always at their best.

Only the mediocre are always at their best.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little read more

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little bit our own. Only then will the work be a part of our own flesh. The garden must be weeded.

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step read more

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step below the sublime
makes the ridiculous and one step above the ridiculous makes the
sublime again.

Mediocrity is climbing molehills without sweating.

Mediocrity is climbing molehills without sweating.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more
complex. . . . It takes a touch of genius--and read more

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more
complex. . . . It takes a touch of genius--and a lot of courage
to move in the opposite direction.